Shiki-Jitsu

Shiki-Jitsu is a Japanese film directed by Shunji Iwai, released in 2000. The movie follows the story of a young woman named Fumiko, who suffers from a rare disorder that causes her to lose her memories periodically. Despite the condition, Fumiko is determined to pursue her dreams of becoming a successful manga artist.

Fumiko's life takes a turn when she meets a strange man named Sakurai, who claims to be a filmmaker. He approaches her with an unusual request to document her life and struggles with her disorder. Fumiko eventually agrees to cooperate with Sakurai and starts to share her experiences with him.

As the two of them continue to work together, Fumiko's memories start to become more vivid, and she starts to question the reality of her situation. Meanwhile, Sakurai's intentions become increasingly mysterious, and his obsession with documenting Fumiko's life starts to become unsettling.

The plot of Shiki-Jitsu is complex and non-linear, with multiple layers of symbolism and metaphors. The movie explores themes of memory, identity, and the nature of reality. The cinematography is stunning, with beautiful shots of Tokyo's urban landscape and lush nature scenes.

The performances of the cast are remarkable, particularly Ayako Fujitani in the lead role of Fumiko. Her portrayal of the character's fragility and determination is both nuanced and affecting. Jun Murakami also delivers an outstanding performance as Sakurai, balancing the character's mysteriousness and vulnerability.

The music in Shiki-Jitsu is also worth noting, as it features an eclectic mix of genres and styles, ranging from classical music to Japanese pop. The soundtrack adds to the movie's dreamlike quality, and the way the music is integrated into the story is masterful.

Overall, Shiki-Jitsu is a haunting and thought-provoking film that will stay with viewers long after watching it. It's a testament to Shunji Iwai's talent as a filmmaker and storyteller, and it's no surprise that the movie has gained a cult following over the years. If you're a fan of Japanese cinema or art movies in general, Shiki-Jitsu is a must-watch.